Yu Laoliu and Lady Yun ultimately succumbed to Zhao Shiyong's military pressure, along with Chen Shuangbai's silence and... subtle support.
no way.
Now that these two already know about this, we have to involve them; otherwise, the chances of word getting out are too high.
Zhao Shiyong was not the kind of person with a broad mind; he trusted the two men based on just one meeting.
Chen Shuangbai remained silent. In the end, the team was still led by Zhao Shiyong, and he vaguely felt that this person also had the means to cultivate to the upper level of Foundation Establishment. If they really wanted to find that thing completely, they would need Zhao Shiyong's help.
Just as the two were about to make their vow and walk out of the main hall to the shore, Chen Shuangbai suddenly looked at Lady Yun and asked:
"Fellow Daoist Yun, your esteemed Alliance Leader... does not intend to emerge from seclusion?"
Lady Yun's expression was somewhat unpleasant. She shook her head slightly and explained, "My nemesis suffered some injuries during his seclusion. Now is a crucial moment, and he can't be distracted, so I won't inform him..."
She wanted to say something more, but ultimately she wasn't too stupid; she understood the meaning behind Chen Shuangbai and added:
"I have sworn a solemn oath that I will never reveal our plans to a fifth person, so you two can rest assured."
Zhao Shiyong glanced at Chen Shuangbai and nodded almost imperceptibly.
The four arrived at the water's edge. Lady Yun had already sent people to move all the servants away, leaving only the wide embankment and the river water below, which was churning up thousands of white waves.
Yu Laoliu walked to the shore, raised his one arm, revealing a beast ring on his dark wrist that looked like it was made of gold and iron. He muttered a spell, and a beam of blue light fell from the ordinary beast ring. Then, a loud splash was heard as a heavy object crashed into the river.
Boom!
The other three looked toward the source of the sound and saw the layers of water gradually part, revealing a gigantic blue fish, several times larger than an ordinary water buffalo, covered in blue scales and possessing a massive tail, slowly rising from the water...
"No, it doesn't look like a bluefish; it has more of a dragon-like appearance..."
When Chen Shuangbai decided to raise Feiguang, he had read many books on Demon Beast and had some discernment.
Zhao Shiyong, however, immediately revealed the name of the water beast.
"It really is Azure Flood Dragon Fish... So, back then, the Black River Water Manor, despite the distance of an entire country, went north to destroy your main branch, all because of this creature."
Upon hearing this, Yu Laoliu's expression darkened slightly, but he still managed to explain:
"It only has a slight resemblance; how can it compare to that noble dragon? Lord Zhao, you flatter me."
Zhao Shiyong didn't refute, but just chuckled softly. Or rather... the appearance of this Azure Flood Dragon Fish made him feel that his chances of winning had increased.
Yu Laoliu summoned the enormous fish to his side, took out some Spirit Cuisine to feed it, and the fish flicked its tail and lay quietly on the shore, waiting for its master's command.
Chen Shuangbai looked at Zhao Shiyong, signaling him to decide when to go into the water.
Zhao Shiyong shook his head slightly and said, "The Cold Dew season is approaching... Let's wait two more days before going into the water."
Hearing this, Chen Shuangbai found it rather strange... Could it be that her swimming on the day of Hanlu was aided by favorable timing and location?
Two more days passed.
The four returned to the shore. After Yu Laoliu released the Azure Flood Dragon Fish, Zhao Shiyong observed the celestial phenomena again and said, "Let's go into the water."
He took the lead, holding a water-repelling pearl, and plunged headfirst into the turbulent river, disappearing from sight.
Yu Laoliu and Yun Lady Yun approached the Azure Flood Dragon Fish, and a huge bubble rose around the dragon, engulfing the two of them, before plunging into the river.
Chen Shuangbai was the last to take out a water-repelling bead from her Storage Bag. Looking at the rushing river and into the distance, she also plunged into the river.
The river surface is swift, and there are also undercurrents flowing beneath the surface.
Zhao Shiyong's water-repelling pearl emitted light, guiding the three people behind him to follow him down into the river.
After diving for a while, the surrounding water became much calmer, but the light also dimmed considerably.
The four descended again, and only after the surrounding light had completely dimmed did the numerous fish and strangely shaped creatures beneath the river become visible.
Chen Shuangbai looked around and sighed softly.
Zhao Shiyong used his telepathic technique to transmit his voice to the three of them, saying, "We're almost at the entrance to the underground water vein. Be careful, everyone. Fellow Daoist Yu, please have your Azure Flood Dragon Fish use its Divine Ability."
Yu Laoliu knew this journey was dangerous, but since they were already on the boat, there was no reason for him not to help. So he nodded slightly, and he and Lady Yun broke free from the bubbles around the Azure Flood Dragon Fish. They each used their Law Artifact to protect themselves, and then let the Azure Flood Dragon Fish swim towards a huge crack that was gradually emerging.
Zhao Shiyong had privately told Chen Shuangbai about the Azure Flood Dragon Fish, saying that this fish carried some dragon blood and was born with the ability to find spiritual creatures and discern their way home.
The underground water veins have been eroded by the river for many years, creating many hidden channels and waterways. The location of the treasure is unknown, so this fish is needed to help find safe waterways before cultivators can enter.
Chen Shuangbai then understood, and at the same time felt terrified by his master Foundation Establishment cultivator who was capable of divination.
A short while later, Yu Laoliu's slightly hoarse voice rang in the three's ears, "We've explored a section of the waterway; there's no danger. Let's go in."
He entered first, followed by Lady Yun, and then Zhao Shiyong Chen Shuangbai.
This place was originally a karst cave with underground waterways running through it. Once inside, the cave walls became even more winding and twisted, truly requiring the abilities of that Azure Flood Dragon Fish.
The four followed the Azure Flood Dragon Fish, heading into the darkness deep underground.
The deeper they went, the dimmer the light became, until finally they couldn't see their own hand in front of their face.
Chen Shuangbai hesitated for a moment, then took out three pearls and distributed them to the three people.
Although the pearl was an ordinary object, it absorbed some moonlight and emitted a soft white light, making it usable as a luminous pearl. It barely illuminated a patch of light around everyone.
The underground waterway was surprisingly calm, with the Azure Flood Dragon Fish leading the way, sometimes turning and sometimes diving, but the more it did so, the more eerie it seemed.
The surroundings were pitch black, as if everything was silent, and spiritual senses were not as effective as usual because they were obstructed by the winding waterway.
With their vision and spiritual awareness obstructed, it felt as if some strange creature might suddenly emerge from the surrounding darkness, putting a sense of unease on the four of them.
After rounding another bend, Chen Shuangbai noticed that the Azure Flood Dragon Fish in front of her had suddenly stopped moving.
Yu Laoliu's expression changed slightly as he warned, "Be careful, something might be approaching. My fish sensed it."
The three of them immediately felt their hearts leap into their throats, simultaneously summoning their Law Artifact and looking around warily.